Just like many of you, I enjoy reviewing and hosting blog tours for upcoming releases. I have done this a couple of times for Bancroft Press, my favorite being The Atomic Weight of Secrets, which I've reviewed a couple of times.

Harrison Demchick is my go-to guy from Bancroft. He recently noticed that I'm a writer and told me about his freelance editing business. I've never paid to have my manuscript professionally edited and, to be honest, never thought I could afford it. Until now.

Because Harrison is a professional editor, and because I have had such an awesome e-mail relationship with him (FYI: he is amazing at answering emails), my husband and I agreed to take the leap. Wow, wow, wow. I am SO GLAD I did. Even my husband said his comments about my manuscript were brilliant!

I knew from agent comments that something about my story wasn't clicking, but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what or how to fix it. Harrison nailed it for me, and the "fix" could not be clearer. Now, I feel like I just need some serious time in the writing cave to hammer it out. And guess what I'll do then? I'll send it right back to Harrison for another round of edits.

I have never recommended something on this blog (other than books) that would cost you money, but I can't recommend Harrison highly enough. I assure you, his comments are worth their weight in gold--and then some. If you are struggling with an area of your manuscript, looking for a reliable set of extra eyes and constructive criticism, or preparing to query/submit, consider sending your story to Harrison. You won't be sorry.

So...how much will it cost?

For a complete developmental edit, analyzing absolutely everything there is to be analyzed, he generally charges three cents a word.

Copy edits are cheaper

He's also doing a limited-time promotional deal: he'll do a close read and write up a detailed one or two-page single-spaced editorial report for $149--fully deductible from the total cost of a developmental edit if you then choose to go that route. (this is what I did)

Go get in the cave, bff. I am going to keep him in my mind. Wonder if he has a website. Love that you spotlighted an editor. I didn't want to do this, because I have so many cool writing friends that had books coming out, but I wish I would have thought to spotlight an agent or editor. You are so smart, amigo. <3 you.

Love the idea of spotlighting an editor. With so many people opting for the self-published route, there are going to be more writers advertising their freelance editing services. Then it'll be necessary to find out which editors are the best deal for your money. Not all are created equal. This dude sounds like he's definitely worth it. :D

Not yet!! :-) Thanks for the heads up on this amazing editor - I'd much rather pay for a trusted recommendation (and I so trust you Shannon!!) and so I'll definitely keep Mr Demchick in mind, yay!! Take carex

Laura--my website is in the works with a designer right now. In the meantime, I'm using www.facebook.com/reallygoodediting.

Stina--definitely, the full-on developmental editing isn't cheap. I do recommend it, of course, because it's the most effective way I can help, but the reason I offer the $99 read-and-response Shannon used is so that writers can get a sense of the kind of work they need to do without diving right in for the full service. And if they decide they want it after, the $99 comes off the total, so it's no extra cost.

(This was going to be a limited-time offer, but I kind of like having it around as a lower-cost option, so I might keep it.)

Thanks for the comments, everybody! Be sure to visit and like the Facebook page, as I believe Susan already did. I really love this job, and I'm always eager to find new authors to work with.

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SHANNON O'DONNELL

I have a master's degree in Education and teach high school English in Montana, where I live with my husband and three children.
On the writing side of things, I am the author of two picture books and a middle grade novel and am represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary.
CONTACT ME AT: mrso_d at yahoo dot com.